Mid City Times

Planting trees and shrubs during fall actually gives them a better chance of taking root and surviving with long-term, healthy growth! APRD’s Urban Forestry Land Manager, Wendy Pappas, outlines tips for determining the best time and place to introduce trees and shrubs to your garden. 

Right Plant, Right Place 

Before discussing WHEN to plant, it’s also important to determine WHERE to plant. The location of your tree or shrub can play a big role in the overall health of the plant. For example, a common mistake is planting a tree that likes shade in an area that gets too much sun. The only real solution to this is digging up the tree and planting it elsewhere. On the other hand, you may accidentally plant a tree in a shady area when the tree does best in full sun. This issue can be avoided if you do a full assessment of your yard at various times throughout the day and see how many hours of sunlight each area receives before introducing any new plants to that area. If a plant is labeled as needing full sun, make sure it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Plants labeled as needing shade can usually handle filtered sun. 

Hardiness Zones 

Before introducing any plant to your landscape, you’ll want to pay close attention to your hardiness zone. The Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners can determine which plants are most likely to thrive in their location, based on average annual minimum winter temperature. Take note of which zone you are in and read the label on plants to see if they are hardy in your zone.  

Structures and Planting

Another aspect to consider before planting trees or shrubs is any structure in the vicinity of your planting space. Have you ever seen a house overtaken by a shrub, or perhaps a tree growing directly under a roof overhang? These plants were likely bought and planted when they were small but have now outgrown their space. Assess your structures and do research into how large your specific plants can grow. If you find that your plant could potentially grow up to 4 feet wide, don’t plant it two feet away from your house. Trees and shrubs may look small during their first few years, but they can quickly grow into their space as they mature.  

You’ll also want to take note of any utilities surrounding your planting space. It seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many trees get planted directly under power lines and then cause problems in the future. If planting under a power line is unavoidable, make sure you have a good idea of how tall your plant will grow and choose a tree or shrub that will not reach the lines. Likewise, it’s a good idea to be aware of any utilities located underground in your space. In the United States, you can call 811 to request a dig test service and have your underground lines located and marked if you aren’t already aware of their location.

When to Plant

The fall season is typically the best time of year to introduce new trees and shrubs into your garden. Planting in the fall gives your plants enough time to grow roots before the hot summer sets in, giving them a much greater chance of survival. Especially here in Texas, summer heat can be brutal on plants. Giving your trees and shrubs two extra seasons to grow solid foundational roots will give them a big advantage when summer comes along.  

Fall is here, so it’s time to get planting before winter – your trees and shrubs will be thankful you didn’t wait until spring! We hope these tips help you decide the best time and place to bring some new life to your outdoor space. Stay tuned for more fall gardening tips from APRD’s Forestry and Beautification team. 

Original source can be found here.